John Mueller plays a song during a presentation on Buddy Holly during a celebration to honor what would have been Holly's 72nd birthday on Sunday at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock (Photo by Zach Long - Avalanche-Journal)

Fans of all ages showed up to wish Buddy Holly a happy 72nd birthday.

The annual celebration at The Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Ave., on Sunday gave visitors a chance to learn a little more about the late rock ‘n’ roll singer/songwriter and the era his music defined.

“Most of the fans who show up are older – ones who grew up listening to his music,” said Shelly Crittendon, marketing and special events coordinator for center. “But we try to bring in a new, younger audience to expose them to his music and the culture around his name.

“We end up getting a good mix of older and younger fans who show up because they appreciate his music and legacy.”

Crittendon said visitors are from all over the world.

Jill Coles of Bath, England, said she has been a fan of Holly since she was a child and came to Lubbock just for his birthday celebration.

Travis Holley, Buddy Holly's brother, applauds Sunday during a celebration to honor what would have been Holly's 72nd birthday. (Photo by Zach Long - Avalanche-Journal)

“It is my first time to The Buddy Holly Center, and I came especially for this,” Coles said.

“Every day a song of his is played on the radio in England. It’s his music that makes him special,” she said. “You can sing to it, it is fun to dance to and it’s instantly recognizable. This is a lovely tribute for him.”

John Mueller, a Holly impersonator who appeared in the musical production of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” was on hand to give visitors a glance at Holly and what his music and legacy has done for the world of rock n’ roll.

“I have loved Buddy Holly since I was a child. I would listen to the hand-me-down records my brothers and sisters had, and just fell in love,” Mueller said.

“My favorite thing about touring around the country and talking to audiences about Holly is the younger generations that come,” he said. “When the children first arrive, they feel as though they won’t identify with him, but after I’m done, they are so excited and are the first ones to come up to me and talk about him.”

Mueller said Holly’s appeal is not solely from his music, but from the way he carried himself.

John Mueller's guitar is silhouetted on a photo of Buddy Holly during a celebration to honor what would have been Holly's 72nd birthday on Sunday at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. (Photo by Zach Long - Avalanche-Journal)

“He seemed like a next-door neighbor who happened to be a rock star. Buddy made it seem real that you could pursue a dream and succeed,” Mueller said.

“I learned how to be a performer with his music and I learned how to treat and respect my fans through his example.”